Mon., 8:19am: Judge set to issue key Ohio gay marriage ruling

April 14, 2014

CINCINNATI - A federal judge is set to issue what could be the most sweeping ruling yet on gay marriage in Ohio, despite a statewide ban.

Judge Timothy Black has indicated that he expects to rule on Monday, ordering Ohio to recognize out-of-state gay marriages.

If he does, Black's ruling will allow gay couples in Ohio to obtain the same benefits of any other married couple in the state, including property rights and the right to make some medical decisions for their partners.

Black is not expected to force Ohio to allow gay marriages to be performed in the state.

The state plans to appeal Black's ruling, arguing that Ohio has a sovereign right to ban gay marriage.